East Belfast Enterprise has announced the appointment of a new Chair, bringing more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in business representation, economic development and governance to the organisation.
Born, raised and educated in East Belfast, Glyn Roberts brings both deep local roots and extensive regional influence to the role. As Chief Executive of Retail NI, representing thousands of independent retailers, wholesalers and suppliers across Northern Ireland, and with the organisation’s office based in Ballyhackamore, he has long been a prominent advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
Over the past quarter of a century, Glyn has held senior leadership positions with Retail NI, Federation of Small Businesses, Colleges NI and the NI High Street Taskforce. Through these roles, he has worked at the highest levels to support small businesses, champion enterprise and drive economic growth across Northern Ireland.
Speaking about his appointment, Glyn said: “I am passionate about East Belfast and its potential to be the ideal part of the city to locate, start and scale up a business.
“I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of East Belfast Enterprise and put myself forward for the role to give something back to the community where I was born, bred, work and live. At this stage in my career, I want to use my experience, networks and influence to make a lasting difference locally.”
As Chair, he sees the role as one centred on strong leadership and effective governance. He added: “This role is fundamentally about integrating with and developing the board, supporting a talented staff team, ensuring the organisation is well run and financially sustainable, and creating the conditions for tenants and entrepreneurs receiving business support to achieve their full potential.
“At both a micro and macro level, East Belfast Enterprise contributes a critical role in driving entrepreneurship, supporting local businesses and strengthening the wider East Belfast economy.”
For more than twenty years, through his work with Federation of Small Businesses and Retail NI, he has supported small businesses and some of Northern Ireland’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. Glyn describes becoming Chair of East Belfast Enterprise as “the natural next step” in that journey.
He brings to the role a proven track record in governance, financial stewardship, partnership building and strategic influence, alongside a deep personal commitment to the area.
Looking ahead, his vision for East Belfast Enterprise is clear. He said: “East Belfast Enterprise needs to continue to grow, explore new opportunities for collaboration and consistently deliver a first-class service to its tenants. It should be ambitious, outward-looking and recognised as a catalyst for enterprise in East Belfast and I believe I have the drive and ambition to lead the board and the organisation on achieving its strategic objectives.”
Reflecting on what he hopes to achieve during his tenure, he added: “At the end of my term as Chair I want to proudly leave behind a bigger, better and more influential East Belfast Enterprise. One that is a genuine change-maker for the local economy and helps create the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“East Belfast was once the economic engine room of Northern Ireland. I believe we can make it a powerhouse again.”
Welcoming the organisation’s new Chair, Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise, said: “East Belfast Enterprise supports individuals on their startup journey, nurtures local businesses, fosters innovation and creates opportunities to develop businesses within our community.
“We have benefited from the leadership and commitment shown over many years by our outgoing Chair, Duncan Graham, and we are grateful for his dedication.
“As we look to the future, we are confident that under Glyn’s leadership we will build on our strong foundations, embrace new opportunities and move forward into an exciting new chapter for East Belfast Enterprise.
“Glyn’s an East Belfast man through and through and his experience, insight and commitment to inclusive economic growth strongly reflect the ethos that has guided our organisation for decades.”
East Belfast Enterprise exists to support entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Visit eastbelfast.org and follow the organisation on socials for more information on events, programmes, available offices, workspaces and manufacturing units.